Shortfin Mako Shark

Source: Species facts, status language, and imagery adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile (last updated 11/10/2022). Ocean City charter and Maryland record notes are editorial orientation for OCEANCITY.MD readers. Always confirm current seasons, sizes, and bag limits before you fish—rules change.

About the species

The shortfin mako is a large and highly migratory shark that occurs across all temperate and tropical ocean waters.

Maryland record catch

Confirm whether Maryland DNR publishes an Atlantic state-record category for Shortfin Mako Shark on the current sport-fish record board.

Verify on Maryland DNR — Sport Fish State Records . Record boards change when DNR accepts a new fish.

Maryland size & bag limits

Maryland’s Atlantic recreational seasons/sizes/creel summary does not publish a dedicated line for Shortfin Mako Shark. Verify COMAR, DNR public notices, and federal rules for your exact waters before you keep fish.

Editorial only — verify before you keep a fish. Confirm current seasons, sizes, and creel on Maryland eRegulations — Atlantic seasons, sizes & limits . Rules change; this page is orientation, not the legal digest. Also see verify regulations.

Population & fishing rate

See the NOAA species profile for current stock status language for this entry.

Appearance

• See the NOAA illustration and profile for Shortfin Mako Shark identification characters.

Biology

• See the NOAA species profile for biology notes on Shortfin Mako Shark.

Where they live

Range

• See the NOAA species profile for range notes on Shortfin Mako Shark.

Habitat

• See the NOAA species profile for habitat detail for this entry.

Ocean City & Mid-Atlantic context

From Ocean City, Maryland, use this Shortfin Mako Shark profile as NOAA Mid-Atlantic directory context—not a promise you will meet the species on every charter.

Always verify current Maryland and federal size, season, and bag rules for your exact date and coordinates before you keep any catch.

Source facts and imagery are adapted from the NOAA Fisheries species profile for Shortfin Mako Shark.

What charter to book from Ocean City

Shortfin Mako Shark may show on Ocean City shark, wreck, or offshore days depending on season and permits—confirm HMS/state rules before you book or keep fish.

Possible / related

• Inshore charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Casting / light tackle — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Trolling charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Nearshore wreck / bottom — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Offshore charter — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.
• Head / party boat — Possible overlap depending on season, water, and boat program.

Not typical from OC

• Bay guide — Not a typical Ocean City bay guide target for Shortfin Mako Shark.

Start with the charter directory trip-type picker so you compare boats inside the right archetype—not a bay-guide quote against a canyon invoice.

Related reading

• Plan a fishing day in Ocean City — Pick the trip archetype before you chase a species story.
• Charter directory stubs & trip-type picker — Compare boats inside the right archetype.
• Verify Maryland fishing regulations — DNR + NOAA steps before you keep any fish from an OC trip.
• Nearshore wreck fishing hub — Structure days from West Ocean City.
• Offshore sport fishing hub — Canyon and bluewater context from Ocean City.

Fishery management

• NOAA Fisheries and regional fishery management councils manage this species where applicable—see the NOAA profile for plan details.

Harvest

• See the NOAA wild-caught fishery section for landings and gear notes when published for this species.

Landings and management details matter most for the waters where Shortfin Mako Shark is actually fished—see the NOAA species profile .

Scientific classification

Plan the rest of the trip